Govt allows onion imports from 9 more countries

Amid the soaring prices of onions in the local market, the government has decided to allow the import of one of the important cooking ingredients from nine other countries in addition to neighboring India.

The government took the decision as the Indian government on August 19 imposed a 40 percent export duty on onions, with immediate effect, up to December 31 in a bid to bring down the local prices.

BSS adds: Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akhter said permission has been given to allow import of onion from nine more countries so that there is no disruption in the supply chain of domestic markets due to imposition of the duty on onion exports by India.

"Despite imposition of duty by India, onion is being imported from the neighboring countries on regular basis," Wahida said hoping that there would be no crisis of onion in the local market with the latest move for allowing import of onion from nine more countries.

Bangladesh can now import 2,400 tonnes of onion from China, 3,910 tonnes from Egypt, 11,820 tonnes from Pakistan, 1,100 tonnes from Qatar, 2,110 tones from Turkey, 200 tonnes from Myanmar, 33 tonnes from Thailand, four tonnes from Netherlands and three tonnes from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a statement by the Ministry of Agriculture.

So far, some 3.79 lakh tonnes of onion have arrived in the country since being granted permission to import 13.73 lakh tonnes on June 5 this year.

Earlier on August 21, the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission recommended the withdrawal of the existing 10 percent duty on the import of onions to cool down the market heated up by India's export restrictions.

After India's 40 percent export duty was imposed, the commission requested the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the commerce secretary to take necessary measures regarding duty reduction.

At present, onion importers have to pay 5 percent customs duty and 5 percent advance income tax (AIT). The Tariff Commission has recommended withdrawing the duty till December 31.

The commerce ministry was also advised to emphasise the import of onions from alternative countries.

Previously, onions were imported from various countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and Myanmar.